‘Callous’ sex offender locked up

SEX offender David Ward has been jailed for 13 years – and branded “manipulative and callous” – after being convicted of a string of sexual abuse against a girl.

He repeatedly targeted the young girl during very unpleasant incidents, a court heard.

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JAILED: David Ward has been locked up for 13 years.

Ward, 44, formerly of Wymark View, Grimsby, was convicted by a jury of nine sexual offences, including two of rape and others of sexual assault and causing or inciting sexual acts.

He was cleared at Grimsby Crown Court of another 12 sexual offences.

Two of the guilty verdicts were on majorities of 10 to two and another was by a majority of 11 to one.

Ward was given an indefinite sexual offences prevention order and must register as a sex offender for life.

After the hearing, investigating officer Detective Constable Julian McGill, of the police’s public protection team, said the offences were “appalling” and he praised the victim for showing “courage and strength” in coming forward to report the matters.

He said: “She can now, with the help and support of her family, look to the future.

“Despite what she has endured, she remains a remarkably optimistic young woman with a promising life ahead of her – a life now free from the control of David Ward.

“Throughout the investigation and trial, Ward has shown himself to be a manipulative and callous individual.

“He clearly presents a danger to the public and, thankfully, that risk has now been removed and he is now where he belongs – in prison.”

Detective Sergeant John Shepherd said: “This sentence sends out a clear and reassuring message that the criminal justice system suitably punishes those who seek to abuse children sexually.

“This trial was the result of a lengthy police investigation, supported by colleagues from Children’s Social Care.

“None of this would have been possible without the victim and her family and I thank them for their co-operation.

“It does take immense courage for victims to come forward and face the additional stress which inevitably accompanies a criminal investigation.

“The police will always take this type of allegation very seriously and have specially-trained officers to support victims and their families through the investigation process.

“Anyone having concerns that a child may be subject to sexual abuse can report the matter direct to the police by telephoning 101.

“Alternatively, reports can be made via Children’s Social Care, Crimewatch, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) or Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP).